Fruits & juices

Lime juice, raw

FDC 168156cup (242 g)

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Density 92 · +11 vs Fruits & juices median

Lime juice scores an Elite 92 of 100 and ranks 9th of 60 in fruits and juices, its profile built almost entirely around vitamin C at 33% DV, with little else standing out in a juice this low in calories.

It is used by the splash, squeezed over fish, folded into marinades, or mixed into drinks rather than drunk by the glass. A 1 cup (242 g) serving carries just 1.69 g of sugar, making it one of the lower-sugar juices in its category, and no limits are flagged for lime juice.

See how this score is calculated, build a plate around lime juice, raw, or compare it with another food.

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Fig. 1 · Macronutrient composition
Protein 0.4 g · 5%Carb 8.4 g · 94%Fat 0.1 g · 2%

Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams

Nutrition facts

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories25 kcal1%
Total fat0.07 g0%
Saturated fat0.01 g0%
Cholesterol0 mg0%
Sodium2 mg0%
Carbohydrate8.4 g3%
Dietary fiber0.4 g1%
Sugars1.7 g
Protein0.42 g1%
Potassium117 mg2%
Calcium14 mg1%
Iron0.09 mg1%
Magnesium8 mg2%
Vitamin C30 mg33%
Vitamin A2 µg0%
Vitamin E0.22 mg1%

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

FDC 168156

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

What it is rich in

Nutrients supplying at least 10% of the Daily Value per 100 grams. 20% or more is an excellent source.

Vitamin C33% DV

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Versus the fruits & juices median

Nutrient density92 vs 81 median
Protein / 100 g0.4 vs 0.8 median
Fiber / 100 g0.4 vs 2 median
Sodium / 100 g2 vs 3 median

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

More nutrient-dense swaps

Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.

Guava sauce, cookedDensity 93 vs 92Gooseberries, rawDensity 93 vs 92Mulberries, rawDensity 93 vs 92

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

In the kitchen and how to use it

Lime juice is the acidic backbone of dishes across Latin American, Southeast Asian, and Caribbean cooking, squeezed fresh into guacamole, ceviche, salsas, and salad dressings, or shaken into cocktails and limeade. Its sharp, bright acidity balances rich or fatty foods like avocado, fried fish, and coconut-based curries, and a splash added at the end of cooking, rather than during, keeps its aroma from cooking off. Zest from the same fruit is often used alongside the juice for a stronger citrus flavor without adding more liquid to a dish.

Fresh limes are easiest to juice at room temperature, and any leftover juice keeps in a sealed container in the refrigerator for about a week, though it is best used within a few days for the brightest flavor. A one-cup serving (242 grams) has 25 calories, so lime juice adds flavor and acidity to a dish with very little caloric cost. It provides vitamin C at 33% of the Daily Value per 100 grams, and with only 1.69 grams of sugar per cup, it works as a low-sugar way to brighten a dish compared with sweeter citrus juices.

Frequently asked questions about lime juice, raw

How many calories are in lime juice?

A one-cup serving (242 grams) of raw lime juice has 25 calories.

Is lime juice a good source of vitamin C?

Yes, lime juice provides vitamin C at 33% of the Daily Value per 100 grams.

What does lime juice pair well with?

It is classically paired with avocado, fish, and coconut-based dishes, and it is a common base for marinades, salsas, and cocktails.

View the USDA source record